PINTO OF FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY SELECTED IN SECOND ROUND OF NHL DRAFT
By Warren Kozireski–
18-year old Shane Pinto was a second-round draft choice of the Ottawa Senators during the NHL Entry Draft held in Vancouver. He was the first second round pick, so 32nd overall.
Pinto, who was a top-15 scorer and led all rookies with 59 points this past season in the United States Hockey League with Lincoln and, after a trade Tri-City, where he put up a combined 28 goals with 28 assists in 54 games, is committed to play at the University of North Dakota this fall.
“I’m shaking right now, but it’s awesome; really excited,” Pinto said after being selected. “I kind of knew I was going to get picked early second, but I’m excited to play with Ottawa. Last night (the first round) was pretty long just sitting there waiting, so to get picked early here is awesome.”
The 6’2”,185 lb. center played his bantam hockey with the NY Aviators in 2015-16 and spent two seasons with the Selects Academy in South Kent, Connecticut for their U-16 and U-18 programs—the latter where he had a breakout 65-point campaign with 34 goals.
Some scouts see him as more of a winger as he puts some weight on and develops into a pro player.
“I would say that I’m a two-way centerman, win a lot of draws, clear my defensive zone and I can score some goals.”
As for why he chose to continue his career at North Dakota this fall, Pinto said, “The biggest thing for me is the coaches. I connected with them as people and they hold everyone accountable and I just thought they would help prepare me to be a pro.
“I’m a skater and I think I need to fill out my body a little more and get stronger. I’m excited to tour the city and see what that’s about.”
(Photo by Koz)
